worked for BT as a operator in Birmingham for 19 years. Now single, she lives alone in a flat in Droitwich which she owns. Unfortunately the entire block now has to be re-roofed and each flat owner has been sent a bill for £2,600. Now aged 79, Avis has just a small balance on her bank account and only very modest savings. She is uneasy about borrowing money on her property at her time of life and approached the Fund for help. Fortunately her niece has agreed to help with part of the cost and with a one-off grant from the Fund the situation has been resolved.

were from Bristol where both had enjoyed careers with BT culminating in their joint retirement in 1988. They moved to their dream cottage in the Lake District and looked forward to many active years in their favourite holiday location. Unfortunately disaster has struck with June now suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Philip has tried to look after June on his own but his own health has now suffered too. He was desperate to keep his wife in the home they both loved and has been paying for extensive care support from nursing agencies. The experience has used up all his savings and he has had to face up to the prospect of moving back to an urban setting where the services he needs can be more easily obtained without extensive travel costs. When contacted by their daughter the Fund was able to arrange for a period of respite care for Philip and a grant to assist with removal costs.

is 28 and was a BT employee for just 4 years. He worked in London but lived in Hastings. Last year his marriage ended in an acrimonious divorce. He succeeded in obtaining custody of his 3 year old son but it involved him in considerable childcare expenditure. To make matters worse he lost his overtime due to having to travel home earlier to collect his child. Then an increase in rail fares was the last straw and in a depressed state he resigned his job. Now struggling on state benefits he was faced with eviction due to arrears of rent. The Fund has cleared these and provided funds for urgently needed clothing for his child while Jason uses the breathing space to find work locally.